Blockchain-enabled system for controlling advertiser access to personal user data

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides certain blockchain-enabled crypto asset systems operable within a computer network environment for allowing a user to control how advertisers access the user&#39;s personal data; allowing crypto asset compensation in exchange for social amplification; and tracking asset allocation. Payments made via blockchain tracking, and the distribution of any revenues derived from cost savings provided to terrestrial, satellite or digital radio broadcasters back to music rights holders and other related groups are provided. These rights holders typically like to incentivize consumers, and by using the crypto assets or tokens created by the present invention, a reward for listening/consuming may be provided. Further, payments for industry services to the rights holder are contemplated to include, but not be limited to any Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), Record Labels, Publishing Companies/Administrators, Managers, Agents or any fractional rights holders or owners who would hold claim against any such revenues.

PRIOR HISTORY

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/560,074 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on18 Sep. 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to virtual or crypto assettechnologies, and more particularly to certain blockchain-enabled cryptoasset systems and associated methodology for allowing users to controlhow advertisers access their personal data; allowing users to becompensated with crypto assets in exchange for social amplification; andtracking crypto asset allocation.

Brief Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,024 ('024 patent), issued to Leekley et al.,discloses a Routing and Synchronization System, Method, and Manager. The'024 patent basically describes a system operable with in a peer-to-peer(P2P) content delivery network that delivers select data files to an enduser. The content delivery network provides a client, a P2P gatewayserver, and a Resource Name Server (RNS) within a computer-populatednetwork. The RNS caches data resource locations within thecomputer-populated network and resolves resource requests with optimaldata resource locations within the computer-populated network.

The gateway server requests and receives optimal data resource locationsvia the RNS; requests and receives data files from thecomputer-populated network via the optimal data resource locations; andprocessing received data files for data file delivery to the client. Thenetwork thus enables an origin-agnostic data delivery method foroptimally delivering select data files to an end user. A data-routinggovernance or management utility governs/manages the content deliverynetwork and associated methodology for providing industry rightsmanagement, compliance monitoring, and/or compliance reporting of datafile transmissions.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,729,497 ('497 patent), issued to Lee et al., discloses aSystem and Method for Implementing a Subscription-Based Social MediaPlatform. The '497 patent describes certain systems and methods forimplementing a subscription-based social media or fan club platformwherein a content creator generates live content on a mobile device andsends requests to a server for initializing a live stream from themobile device. The server sends requests to encoding service providers.The encoded live content is send to a content storage server.Subscribers of the social media or fan club platform can access the livecontent on their mobile devices from the content storage server.Variants of the '497 patent are further specified in U.S. Pat. Nos.8,667,075; 8,769,031; 9,094,362; and 9,438,553.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0041280 ('280Publication), authored by Savenok et al., discloses a Smart RoutingSynchronization System and associated Methods for Socializing aSynthetic Rebroadcast and Group Stream. The smart routingsynchronization system(s) of the '280 Publication socialize a syntheticrebroadcast or group stream for enabling members of a user group to(re)broadcast select content to other members of the user group andcollaboratively curate content delivery. The systems are based on acontent-identification process and further a process for(re)broadcasting content.

These processes are cooperable among a group of member clients each ofwhich are in communication with at least two content sources. Thesynchronization process identifies select content and directs deliveryof the content from an optimal resource for each member client via asmart routing protocol. The (re)broadcast process prompts delivery ofthe select content to members of the user group from a contentorigination member of the group, and group members are thereby able tosimultaneously access the content for the purpose of providing acontent-based platform for social interaction. As in the '024 patent,the '280 Publication further describes a data-routing governance ormanagement utility that governs/manages the content delivery network andassociated methodology for providing industry rights management,compliance monitoring, and/or compliance reporting of data filetransmissions.

A blockchain may be defined as a growing list of cryptographicallylinked records called blocks. Each block contains a hash of the previousblock, a timestamp, and transaction. A blockchain is said to beresistant to modification of the transaction data and basically providesa transaction ledger that records transactions between two partiesefficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way. For use as atransaction ledger, a blockchain is typically managed by a P2P networkcollectively adhering to a protocol for inter-node communication andvalidating new blocks.

Given the industry rights management necessity of the systems taught bythe prior art set forth hereinabove, the prior art perceives a need forcertain blockchain-enabled crypto asset systems and associatedmethodology for allowing users to control how advertisers access theirpersonal data; allowing users to be compensated with crypto assets inexchange for social amplification; and tracking coin allocation n a twoparty agreement with a public portion, with a song list generationalgorithm used to control the expansion of the coin supply.

Virtual currencies and especially cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin,ethereum (ether), litecoin, etc. have been increasing in popularity inrecent years. Holders of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not tiedto any government, are decentralized, and allow direct transactions,while still maintaining the trust and stability of fiat currencies.Bitcoin in particular appears to be more than a passing fad and withbillions in total value in distribution, bitcoin stores significanteconomic potential. Despite the popularity of cryptocurrencies to date,all cryptocurrencies face the same drawback in that they are not widelyaccepted.

A smart contract is a computer protocol intended to digitallyfacilitate, verify, or enforce the negotiation or performance of acontract. Smart contracts allow the performance of credible transactionswithout third parties. These transactions are trackable andirreversible. Proponents of smart contracts claim that many kinds ofcontractual clauses may be made partially or fully self-executing,self-enforcing, or both. The aim of smart contracts is to providesecurity that is superior to traditional contract law and to reduceother transaction costs associated with contracting. Variouscryptocurrencies or crypto asset-based systems have implemented types ofsmart contracts in an attempt to address the shortcomings ofcryptocurrency or crypto asset transactions. The present on attempts tobuild upon the state of the art embraced by these concepts as summarizedin more detail hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The author of these specifications provides a crypto asset or “token”tailored specifically for the music and entertainment industry thatapplies blockchain technology innovations as a primary means for moreproperly executing the technologies set forth in the prior artenumerated hereinabove in connection with compliance and paymentmethods, particularly those set forth in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/099,348 ('348 application) and Ser. No. 15/305,977 ('977application) upon which these specifications attempt to build. Thedata-routing governance or management utilities of the '348 and '977applications that operate to govern/manage the content delivery networksare critical to properly provide for industry rights management,compliance monitoring, and/or compliance reporting of data filetransmissions.

The present specifications provide that critical compliance. Paymentsmade via blockchain tracking, and the distribution of any revenuesderived from cost savings provided to terrestrial, satellite or digitalradio broadcasters back to music rights holders and other related groupsare provided. These rights holders typically like to incentivizeconsumers, and by using the crypto assets or tokens created by thepresent invention, a reward for listening/consuming may be provided.Further, payments for industry services to the rights holder arecontemplated to include, but not be limited to any Performance RightsOrganizations (PROs), Record Labels, PublishingCompanies/Administrators, Managers, Agents or any fractional rightsholders or owners who would hold claim against any such revenues.

The same concepts can be applied to revenues resulting from brandslooking for ways to reach consumers of entertainment media via theenvironment at least provided by the '348 and '977 applications,including venues from advertisement placements within said environment,and programmatic placement of advertising tailored to the individualconsumer within said environment regardless of the specificentertainment content being digested where the advertising or marketingis targeting the individual consumer, and not those watching orlistening to specific entertainment content.

The present invention further envisions fostering more direct incentivesfor cooperation between entertainment providers and their fans bothindividually as well as in a group (e.g. crowd-based milestones asdescribed in more detail in at least the '977 application), as well asany brands wishing to reach these individual fans or groups of fans bytracking and tying rewards or payments for fans/consumer consumption ofan artist or entertainment provider's content where fans or a group offans participate with the artist or entertainment provider's revenuesfrom both the content itself as well as third party brands or advertiserincentives.

In other words, individual fans or consumers may be rewarded forconsuming the entertainment and advertising/marketing content providedby the environment supported by the by the '348 and '977 applications,as well as the environments supported by U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,667,075;8,769,031; 9,094,362; 9,729,4979,438,553; and 9,729,497. Similarly, agroup of fans with crowd-based milestones for consuming theentertainment content within said environment may be rewarded forconsuming the entertainment content. Further, brand-based rewards andincentives may be paid out to either individual fans/consumers ofentertainment content or a group of fans with crowd-based milestones,who may also be offered incentives for purchasing decisions including,but not limited to time-based purchasing decisions according to thepresent invention.

Rewards for the amplification of the activities within the foregoingenvironment(s) may be further provided to followers or consumers ofposted or shared content according to the present invention. TheRewards/Tokens provided by the present invention may provide exclusiveaccess rights rather than financial reward or participation. Such accessrights may be earned via these environments or the amplification toothers within these environments may include such things as a firstright to buy tickets to an event or exclusive reserved VIP seatingaccess or a “meet and greet” the artist either physically or digitallywhere these environments exist to the content of that artist.

These specifications further contemplated the use of a new type of fanreward card that is tethered to an open set of rewards and capable oftracking purchasing behavior of both individual fans of an artist orentertainment entity as well as groups of fans at moment of purchase inorder to either accumulate rewards based upon environmental activity ofenvironments supported by U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,667,075; 8,769,031;9,094,362; 9,729,4979,438,553; and 9,729,497; or use reward points forthe purchasing of goods and services based upon environmental activityof said environment(s).

This new type of fan reward card may be tethered to an existing consumerdebit card or bank account and provides a mechanism for the real timereconciliation of time sensitive rewards by intercepting theauthorization request from the point of sale (POS) of the participatingbrand/provider of goods and services wishing to incentivize a givengroup of fans or the acquiring bank partner of that brand/provider ofgoods and services. Reconciliation via such a secondary rewardreconciliation process and gateway can match an advertised incentivewith purchasing behavior and grant rewards based upon both individual aswell as group purchasing activity. Reconciliation via such a secondaryreward reconciliation process and gateway can also match an advertisedincentive with purchasing behavior and pay using previously grantedrewards

The present invention further contemplates the provision of a cryptoghost coin or token for shielding the identity of the person beingrewarded for the participation in all activities listed above so thatfans/consumers of content can remain anonymous should they wish both tothe entertainment provider or property as well as to the advertisingbrands or providers of goods and services according to the foregoing,while at the same time being more precisely targeted for their personaldemographic, geographic, and consumption behavior. The objective of thisghost method of programmatic rewards is to maintain the efficiency andefficacy of personalization and product fit with an individual consumerof entertainment without that individual compromising their privacy andidentity.

An example of the synthetic social broadcast amplification according tothe present invention, the reader may refer to Vertigo brand applicationproviding Song Story Contests and User Generated Content (UGC) leftbehind on the Feed section of the application. When a user createscontent (UGC) in the form of videos, photos, etc. and appends it on anysegment of a song, other users or his or her friends or followers wantto payback that content, no matter if it is still in time of contest orfrom the feed section of the application, content playback starts withthe song segment attached to that and thus compliance reporting becomescritical within this social environment.

The appended music or media file not only makes the UCG such as videos,or photos, etc. more entertaining, but also creates value for rightsowners such as artists, writers, labels, etc. by “spinning” the songfrom premium media content providers such as Spotify, AppleMusic etc. Amost important component for music or media content providers such asSpotify, AppleMusic etc. is determining the amount of paymentcompensation to rights owners via the number of “spins”.

Even a small influencer or individual consumer is thus able tosignificantly increase the number of times a particular song or similarother media plays back or “spins” by inviting his or her followers tosee the UGC, or by creating interesting and entertaining UGC attractiveto other social media users or by other means. The contest of theVertigo branded application itself is a significant “gamification” ofthe synthetic social broadcast amplification effect which creates acondition for viral adoption.

To achieve at least the foregoing objectives, the present inventionbasically provides certain blockchain-enabled crypto asset systemsoperable within a computer network environment for allowing (a) a userto control how advertisers access the user's personal data; (b) allowingcrypto asset compensation in exchange for social amplification; and (c)tracking asset allocation. Each blockchain-enabled crypto asset systemaccording to the present invention may be said to essentially comprise aremote computer-based service system within the computer networkenvironment, at least one client device for enabling the user tointeract with a user blockchain, and a non-transitorycomputer-implementable application implementable via the at least oneclient device and the remote computer-based service system.

The remote computer-based service system of a first blockchain-enabledcrypto asset system is operable within the computer network environmentfor connecting 3rd party service/content providers to the userblockchain; validating 3rd party input data to the user blockchain;optimizing consumption data references; and enablingadvertisement-targeting services to interact with the user blockchain.The computer-implementable application enables the user to initiateinput to the user blockchain via the at least one client device; inputpersonal demographic data and data release rules to the user blockchain;and set data retention rules.

The user blockchain of the first blockchain-enabled crypto asset systemprovides a mechanism for storing and releasing user data giving the usercontrol of the user's personal data and a mechanism to release theuser's personal data for economic consideration. The user blockchainoperates to hold a transaction ledger for tracking transactions betweenthe advertisement-targeting services and the user blockchain and a proofof transaction being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by theadvertisement-targeting services in exchange for personal data.

The remote computer-based service system may be made operable to connect3rd party service/content providers to the user blockchain by mapping IPaddresses used by the user as reported by the at least one client devicefor blockchain identification. The remote computer-based service systemmay provide the only blockchain address permitted to write validatedconsumption data to the user blockchain by taking the IP addressprovided by 3rd party service/content providers, and using a referencedatabase to map IP addresses for blockchain identification.

The remote computer-based service system is operable to optimizeconsumption data references by either creating a hash table with uniquehashes for reported consumption, and only writing hashes to the userblockchain, or creating categories for consumption, and writing categoryidentifications to the user blockchain. The remote computer-basedservice system thus enables advertisement-targeting services to interactwith the user blockchain by providing mapping between at least oneclient device IP address and blockchain identification thereby enablingthe advertisement-targeting services to interact with the userblockchain to receive personal user information provided a preferredtargeted advertising campaign meets a set of rules within the userblockchain.

The user blockchain releases the personal data requested by theadvertisement-targeting services if the preferred targeted advertisingcampaign meets the set of rules. The user blockchain may respond with analternative targeted advertising request to the advertising-targetingservice if the preferred targeted advertising campaign does not meet theset of rules. The data retention rules set by the user determine whatpersonal consumption data will be retained by the user blockchain andfor what duration, which personal consumption data may be updated byselect verified 3rd party service/content providers.

A blockchain-enabled crypto asset social amplification system accordingto the present invention is operable within a computer networkenvironment for allowing crypto asset compensation in exchange forsocial amplification and comprises a remote computer-based servicesystem within the computer network environment, a least one at least oneclient device for enabling the user to interact with the user blockchainand the remote computer-based service system and a non-transitorycomputer-implementable application implementable via the at least oneclient device and the remote computer-based service system for enablingthe user to initiate input to the user blockchain via the at least oneclient device; and input personal demographic data.

The remote computer-based service system of the blockchain-enabledcrypto asset social amplification system governs user contentamplification attribution data input to a user blockchain, which usercontent amplification attribution data preferably comprises a listing ofselect content shared by the user, campaign identifications associatedwith the select content, and a type of consumer interaction. The atleast one client device generates an influencer amplificationidentification linked to the user blockchain via a request to the remotecomputer-based service system.

The user blockchain blockchain-enabled crypto asset social amplificationsystem provides a mechanism for storing and releasing user data givingthe user control of the user's personal data, and a mechanism to releasethe user's personal data for economic consideration. The user blockchainoperating to hold a transaction ledger for tracking blockchaintransactions based on the user content amplification attribution dataand being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by 3rd partyservice/content providers in exchange for personal data.

The blockchain-enabled crypto asset social amplification system maypreferably center on the use of user demographic data. The userdemographic data is usable to encourage users of a specific demographicto share more by having the 3rd party service/content providers theability to specify payout rules for amplification payouts to the usersof a specific demographic. The user blockchain stores a copy of thepayout rules for supporting the amplification payouts.

An amplification campaign blockchain is preferably released in the formof a smart contract with qualified shares being reported to anamplification campaign blockchain. The amplification campaign blockchainregisters valid amplification event payouts based on a set of rules setat the initialization of the smart contract. The smart contract maypreferably comprise a reference to the select content for amplification,the valid amplification event payouts being registered by linking aninfluencer amplification identification with a blockchain identificationvia the remote computer-based service system.

The amplification campaign blockchain duplicates transactions by sendinga validated transaction registration request to the user blockchain, andthe user blockchain determining capital distribution based on contractcapital allocation determined by the set of rules set by the user. Thevalid amplification event payouts are claimed by registering a payouttransaction in the transaction ledger indicating capital distributed tothe user in exchange for earned amplification credits/tokens registeredin the transaction ledger.

The remote computer-based service system retains the set of rules, theset of rules set by the user are duplicated to the user blockchain, theset of rules being registered by the 3rd party service/content providersvia a registration request to the remote computer-based service system.The registration request registers the campaign identifications,amplified content, and the set of rules, and the remote computer-basedservice system registers valid amplification event payouts by using theuser identification for blockchain mapping. The remote computer-basedservice system calculates the valid amplification event payouts based onuser demographic data retrieved from the user blockchain.

A blockchain-enabled crypto asset compliance system operable within acomputer network environment tracks asset allocation. The remotecomputer-based service system provides and maintains a cross providerreference database for mapping media provider content to media contenthashes within a media content pool preferably via either a metadatamapping mechanism or a media content finger printing mechanism. Clientdevices are used by users for creating media content playlists as abasis for media content order hash generation. The client devices pullmedia content hashes from the media content pool, and use the mediacontent playlists and the media content hashes stored in the crossprovider reference database as inputs for algorithm generation. Theclients generate an ordered media content list hash that is submitted tothe user blockchain.

The user blockchain provides both a mechanism for storing and releasinguser data, and a mechanism to release the user's personal data foreconomic consideration, and operates to hold a transaction ledger fortracking blockchain transactions based on media content consumption andis being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by 3^(rd) partyservice/content providers.

The ordered media content list hash matches a hidden list hash forprompting both new token generation, and supplemental ordered song listhash generation. The user blockchain is initiated when contractinitiation rules are met, original asset allocations being assigned oncontract initiation by requests from a primary initiating partner and asecondary initiating partner via identical contract initiationallocations. The user blockchain preferably generates new tokens via analgorithmic mint process comprising the step of generating the hiddenlist hash from a list of the media content hashes.

The algorithmic mint process may preferably operate based on anever-increasing number of media content files associated with every hashmatched against a client hash submitted by the client devices. Hiddenhash complexity is driven by first and second factors, the first factorbeing the number of media content files in the hidden ordered mediacontent list hash, and the second factor being the number of possiblemedia content files available to fit into each position in the hiddenordered media content list hash, each position being randomly filledfrom the media content hash pool. When media content hashes are added tothe media content pool by the secondary initiating partner, the mediacontent hashes are added to the cross provider reference database, whichcross provider reference database maps 3rd party service/contentprovider data to the media content hashes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features of the invention will become more evident from aconsideration of the following brief descriptions of patent drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart diagram of a first system according to the presentinvention depicting a user blockchain in communication with a remove,computer-based service system and at least one client device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart diagram of a second system according to thepresent invention depicting a user blockchain in communication with aremove, computer-based service system and at least one client device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram of a third system according to the presentinvention depicting a user blockchain in communication with a remove,computer-based service system and at least one client device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of a fourth system according to thepresent invention depicting crypto asset to cash conversion payoutarrangements.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of a fifth system according to the presentinvention depicting a user blockchain in communication with a remove,computer-based service system and at least one client device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND METHODOLOGY

Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the preferredsystems and associated methodologies according to the present inventionprimarily concern computer-based blockchain-enabled crypto asset typesystems operable within a computer network environment as exemplified bythe Internet or the world wide web for allowing a user to control howadvertisers may access a user's personal data; for compensating a userwith crypto assets or currency in exchange for social amplification viasocial applications with a remote service layer; and made optionallymade operable in concert with a smart contracts for tracking asset orcoin allocation in a two party agreement with a public portion, and witha song list generation algorithm used to control the expansion of thecrypto asset or coin supply.

Referencing FIG. 1, the reader will there consider a blockchain-enabledsystem for allowing a user to control how advertisers access theirpersonal data, with a remote interaction layer that operates to mimiccurrent advertising agency expectations. A blockchain-based orblockchain-enabled smart contract is generally depicted and referencedat 1. While these specifications incorporate language associated with orexemplified by ethereum smart contracts, it is contemplated that thesystems according to the present invention could be built on any form ofblockchain-enabled system.

The system depicted in FIG. 1 preferably comprises a smart contract (1)ethereum, vernacular for an extendable and customizable blockchaindataset. The blockchain data set or smart contract (1) acts as amechanism for storing and releasing user data, giving users completecontrol of their own personal data, and providing a mechanism to releasethe data for economic consideration. The blockchain data set or smartcontract (1) comprises or holds a transaction ledger (22), whichtransaction ledger (22) tracks transactions between advertising services(17) and the blockchain (1), providing a proof of transaction and cost,which would be used by the user to redeem monetary rewards offered bythe advertising services (17) in exchange for personal data associatedwith the user, including user personal consumption data (2) and userdemographic data (18).

A client device (3) exemplified by a tablet computer, desktop computer,smart phone or similar other computer type client device (3) isoutfitted with a client-side mobile, desktop or browser application (40)(i.e. a non-transitory computer-implementable software application)enabling users to interact as at (4) with their smart contracts/blockchains (1) in the following manners. The user may initiate (4) the smartcontract or blockchain (1) by signing up via a client device (3) via thesoftware-based operating application (40) thereby giving the user thesole right to write personal demographic data (18) and data releaserules (5) to the blockchain or smart contract (1).

The client side operating application (40) enables the user to set thedata retention rules (5) determining what user personal consumption data(2) will be retained by or within the blockchain (1), and for whatduration. The user personal consumption data (2) comprises personalconsumption data typified by purchase data, search data, and mediacontent consumption such as videos watched, and music played, etc.).Further, the application (40) allows the user to input user demographicdata (18) which may include date of birth, zip code, gender, and otherpertinent demographic data. The personal consumption data (2) ispreferably updated as at (13) by a verified 3rd party service or contentprovider or merchant (12).

The user personal consumption data (2) and user demographic data (18)may thus be made available to 3^(rd) party service or content providersthrough whose services or content provisions, the user may run a networkor web search or utilize a search engine typified by the Google searchengine; purchase a product through an e-commerce platform typified bythe Amazon Marketplace; watch a video via a video-sharing websitetypified by the YouTube video-sharing website; or listen to music via amusic streaming service provider typified by the Spotify music streamingservice.

A remote, computer-based, blockchain interaction service system (7)according to the present invention operates within the computer networkand a server side operating application (41) to perform the followingprimary functions: (1) connecting 3rd party service/content providers(12) to user blockchains (1); (2) validating 3rd partydata input or“writes” to the user blockchains (1); (3) optimizing consumption datareferences; and (4) enabling advertising-targeting service (17) tointeract with the user blockchains (1). The remote, computer-based,blockchain interaction service system (7) preferably connects 3rd partyservice/content providers (12) to user blockchains (1) by mapping (9)Internet Protocol or IP addresses (10) used by the user as reported (11)by the client devices (3) for blockchain/smart contract identification(6).

The remote, computer-based, blockchain interaction service system (7)validates as at (15) 3rd party data input or reports (14) to theblockchain/smart contract (1) and comprises the only blockchain addresspermitted to write (16) validated user personal consumption data (2) toa user blockchain/smart contract (1), by taking the IP address (10)provided by 3rd part content providers via reports (14), and uses areference database (8) to map (9) IP addresses (10) for blockchain/smartcontract identification (6). The remote, computer-based, blockchaininteraction service system (7) preferably optimizes consumption datareferences by either (a) creating a hash table with unique hashes forreported consumption, writing hashes to user blockchains/smart contracts(1), or (b) creating categories for consumption, and writing categoryidentifications to user blockchains/smart contracts (1).

The remote, computer-based, blockchain interaction service system (7)would also enable advertising-targeting service (17) to interact withthe user blockchain/smart contract (1) by providing mapping (19) betweenthe device IP address (10) and blockchain identification (6), enablingthe advertising-targeting service (17) to interact with the userblockchain/smart contract (1) to receive user personal consumption data(2) and user demographic data (18). If the offer (23) from theadvertising-targeting service (17) meets the user's set price and rulesfor date release (5), the user blockchain/smart contract (1) releasesthe user personal consumption data (2) and user personal demographicdata (18) as requested (20) by the marketing/advertising-targetingservice (17). If the offer (23) from the advertising-targeting service(17) does not meet the user's set price and rules for date release (5),the user blockchain/smart contract (1) preferably responds as at (21),which response can be used by the marketing/advertising-targetingservice (17) to craft an appropriate supplemental offer (23).

Social Amplification System

A social amplification system according to the present invention isgenerally depicted and referenced in FIGS. 2 and 3. The socialamplification system is a blockchain-enabled system that primaryfunctions to allow a user to be compensated with crypto currency or acrypto asset in exchange for social amplification via socialapplications interacting with a remote service layer. The socialamplification system according to the present invention is primarilybuilt around a user blockchain-secured document/database, smart contractas at (201).

The blockchain-secured document/database, smart contract as at (201) isused to store a user's content amplification attribution data (202). Theuser's content amplification attribution data (202) comprises (a) alisting of social content shared by the user; (b) certain campaignidentifications with which the social content is associated; and (c) thetype of viewer or consumer interaction taken (e.g. a post view, contentplayback, or visit to merchant/vendor site). The client device (203)initiates as at (204) the user blockchain-secured document/database,smart contract as at (201) via a client side application (240) and inthe process generates an influencer amplification identification that islinked to the user blockchain-secured document/database, smart contractas at (201) after it is created via a request (211) to the remote,computer-based, blockchain interaction service system (207) or remoteservice having a server side operating application (241).

The user blockchain-secured document/database, smart contract (201)preferably contains within itself four pieces of data, including user orinfluencer demographic data (218), payout rules (205), the user orinfluencer content amplification attribution data (202), and thetransaction ledger (222). The user or influencer demographic data (218)may preferably be used to encourage users or influencers of or from aspecific demographic to share more content by having the 3rd partyservice/content providers (212) the ability to specify rules foramplification payout as at (214), which rules for amplification payout(214) favor specific demographics by increasing payouts to users orinfluencers of or from a specific demographic. The userblockchain-secured document/database, smart contract (201) stores a copyof the payout rules as at (205).

An alternative social amplification system according to the presentinvention is generally depicted and referenced in FIG. 3. Thealternative social amplification system according to the presentinvention releases as at (213) the amplification campaign as anamplification campaign blockchain (225) preferably in the form of asmart contract, with each qualified share reported as at (216) to theamplification campaign blockchain (225), which in turn registers as at(215) payouts for valid amplification events based on rules foramplification payout (214) set at the initialization of the userblockchain-secured document/database, smart contract (201).

The user blockchain-secured document/database, smart contract (201) maybe referred to as a campaign contract in that it preferably contains areference to the content that should be amplified according to thecampaign. Payouts are registered by linking as at (209) the user orinfluencer amplification identification (210) with blockchainidentification, which identifications can be one and the same, dependingon how a reference to the user blockchain-secured document/database,smart contract (201) is designed). Payouts are registered by way of theremote, computer-based, blockchain interaction service system (207) intothe campaign smart contract provided the smart contract contains areference to the user blockchain-secured document/database, smartcontract (201). The reference to the influencer block chain (201) isused to register a transaction into the campaign blockchain ledger(223), and the transaction payout is determined by payout rules (214).

The campaign blockchain (225) duplicates the transaction by sending avalidated transaction registration request (228) to the influencerblockchain (201). The influencer blockchain (201) is then used todetermine capital distribution (224) based on contract capitalallocation determined by the payout rules (214). Payout would be claimedby registering a transaction in the influencer blockchain ledger (222)indicating capital distributed to the user or influencer in exchange forearned amplification credits/tokens registered in the influencer ledger(222). A client device (203) likewise interacts as at (229) with thecampaign blockchain (225) to present to the user or influencer theestimated payout per share or amplification type and the content thatshould be amplified.

The reader will note that the rewards or tokens according to thesespecifications may not be preferably classified as currency or assecurities since the rewards/tokens created by the invention is builtcomprise more flexibility depending on the class of reward/token owned.At times, the reward/token will function akin to frequent flyer pointsas derived from listening to the music, consuming other media content,or as derived from consuming advertising/marketing materials, and thusdo have the ability to buy goods and services within the music andentertainment industry. The rewards/tokens may, however, be traded on anexchange and represent ownership participation in a song's royalties orsimilar other royalties deriving from media content. In this lastregard, the rewards/tokens according to the present invention mayqualify as a commodity or even a security depending on how the reward ortoken is acquired.

Another alternative social amplification system according to the presentinvention is generally depicted and referenced in FIG. 2. According tothe social amplification system depicted in FIG. 2, the remote,computer-based, blockchain interaction service system (207) holds thepayout rules (214), which are then duplicated to the user or influencerblockchain (201). The payout rules (214) are registered by 3rd partyservice/content distributors (212) via a request (any request sent viathe IP protocol) (213) to the remote, computer-based, blockchaininteraction service system or remote services (207).

This request (213) registers the campaign identification (226),amplified content, and payout rules (214). The remote service (207) thenregisters as at (215) a payout (216) for valid amplification events byusing the user or influencer identification-to-blockchain mapping as at(209) as stored in the blockchain mapping database (208) incommunication with the user or influencer block chain ledger (222),taking into account payout rules (214). Calculation of payout mayrequire the remote services (207) to retrieve from the influencer blockchain (201) demographic data (218) to calculate payout.

Crypto Asset to Cash Conversion

Comparatively referencing FIGS. 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4, thereader will consider the user has the option convert their amplificationtokens/credits for cash or other forms of rewards. In the case of a cashconversion, the client device (203) puts in a request as at (229) to theremove service (207) to convert a specified number of tokens, and theremote services (207) retrieves as at (230) the registered tokens fromthe user or influencer blockchain (201). If the system variant of FIG. 2is used then the remote service (207) will validate the request from theclient device (203). If the system variant of FIG. 3 is used, then theremote service (207) will send a validation request as at (231) to thecampaign blockchain (225).

If the request is validated, then a debit (234) to the financialinstitution (232) of 3rd party service/content providers may be sent forthe amount of the payout. Similarly a credit (235) is sent to the user'sor influencer's financial institution (233). After credit and debit, theledgers (222) and (223) of both influencer and campaign blockchains(201) and (225) are updated to reflect the payout. The conversion isdetermined by the payout rules (214). Capital for the campaign can bedebited before conversion to ensure payout. Token conversion is not belimited to cash conversion. Cash conversion is simply an example of whatis possible.

Tokens can be converted to rewards, or traded in exchange for otherintangibles or tangible goods, services, or securities. The user orinfluencer blockchain (201) may further preferably comprise aparticipation ledger permitting multiple parties to participate in auser's or influencer's earned capital. This feature creates thepossibility of creating a secondary market in which influencerparticipation in influencer coins could be bought and sold, and thepossibility of an Initial Coin Offering or ICO for the user's orinfluencer's coin.

The client device (203) enables the user/influencer to easily promotethe campaign content by enabling them to post as at (220) directly totheir social network of choice (217) from the client interface. Theclient device (203) may utilize a Uniform Resource Locator orURL-shortening service to obscure the source of the link if the user orinfluencer does not want to be seen promoting content for payment. Thepost (220) may include URL's that redirect (e.g. an HTTP request code asat (303)) through the remote service (207), with the campaign id, andinfluencer id embedded into the URL (206).

The remote services (207) use the campaign identification (226) andinfluencer identification (210) and a redirect URL to validate theamplification event and register such events (215) with either thecampaign blockchain (225) or within the remote service (207) dependingon the system variant used. The service would redirect the consuming tothe campaign content. The type of user engagement would be implied fromthe URL destination. If it is registered to a post image, then it isregistered as a view. Video consumption may be registered as a playbackrequest, and a URL redirect to a store would be credited as an acquiredcustomer.

Crypto Music/Media Content

Referencing FIG. 5 the reader will there consider the present inventionfurther provides a blockchain-enabled system operating with a smartcontract enabled to track coins allocated in a two party agreement witha public portion, with a song list generation algorithm used to controlthe expansion of the coin supply. The system preferably comprises threeprimary components, including a blockchain secured/enabled smartcontract, at least one client device, and remote service withinteractions therebetween being governed by a non-transitorycomputer-implementable application (340/341).

The smart contract (301) is initiated as at (308) by the user if therules (307) for initiation are met. On initiation, original coinallocations as at (309.a-309.c) are assigned. A primary partner portion(309.a), a secondary partner portion (309.b), a public portion (309.c),and an algorithmically expanding portion (309.d) may be originallyallocated. To initiate the smart contract (301) one possible set ofinitiation rules (307) are required with a primary initiating partner(302) and a secondary initiating partner (303) submitting requests as at(304/305) to initiate the smart contract (301) with the same originalcoin allocations (309.a-309.c) for the smart contract (301).

The smart contract (301) preferably enables the generation of new coinswith an algorithmic mint process (310). The algorithmic mint process(310) starts when the blockchain/smart contract (301) generates a secretor hidden ordered song (or other media content) list hash as at (316) asgenerated from a list of song hashes (318). The algorithm uses as at(321) and ever-increasing number of songs with every hash matched as at(317) to a client hash (313) submitted as at (315) by the client device(323) having a client side operating application (340).

The secret or hidden hash complexity is preferably driven by twofactors, including a first factor comprising the number of songs in theordered list as at (328.a-d), and a second factor comprising the numberof possible songs from a song hash pool (318) available to fit into eachposition in the list (328.a-d). Each position is randomly filled fromthe song hash pool (318). The complexity of the algorithm would inincrease in the following manner:

x=number of songs in song hash pool

y=length of ordered song list

x{circumflex over ( )}y=possible search space

As more song hashes are added as at (319) to the song hash pool (318) bythe secondary initiating partner (303), the search space that clientsneed to search to generate a new coin increases, and the length of thesong list (328.a-d) increases with every newly algorithmically minted(310) coin. As song hashes are added to the song hash pool (318) by thesecondary initiating partner (303) they are also added to a database(322), they are preferably mapped to 3rd party provider data. In thisregard, the reader is directed to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/099,348 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/305,977 upon whichapplications the present specifications build.

The system may alternatively operate with a single initiating partner,in which case all functions of the partners (302/303) would be executedby a single entity. The system may further operate with multiplesecondary partners, each receiving an original coin allocationdetermined by the primary initiating partner (302), and which allocationis determined by the number of participating secondary partners (303).The smart contract (301) may further be used to pre-sell rights to music(as in PSL rights) or otherwise select assets to a right of access,which right of access is resalable. The original coin allocation may besold to 3rd parties, while the new algorithmically generated coins wouldbe given out based on the music mining algorithm as loyalty or rewardscoins. Algorithmically generated coins may be of a different class thanthe initial offer (308), representing different levels of loyaltyrewards or rights of access, including early access to concerts, VIPlounges, live chat access etc.

The value of the initial coin release (308) and optionally thealgorithmically generated coins would be backed by the savings derivedfrom the smart routing systems as described more fully in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/099,348 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/305,977, owned by the author of these specifications and upon whichthe present specifications build. A mobile, desktop or web client device(323) allows the user to create as at (325) playlists (312) which wouldserve as the basis for song order hash generation (314). The clientdevice pulls as at (324) the song hashes from a smart contract song hashpool (318) from a reference database (322), and uses the playliststructure (312) and the song hashes from the song hash pool (318) storedin the database (322) as inputs (314) to an ordered song list hashingalgorithm (326). The client device (323) generates as at (327) an ordersong list hash (313) that is then submitted as at (315) to the smartcontract (301).

If the client device (323) submits an ordered song list hash (313) thatmatches (317) the Secret ordered song list hash (316), a new coin isgenerated via the mint process (310), and a new and more complicatedordered song list hash is generated as at (320). A remote service (337)having a server side operating application (341) provides and maintainsa cross provider reference database (322), which would map mediaprovider content to the song hashes in the song hash pool (318) usingeither a metadata mapping or audio finger printing mechanism asdescribed more fully in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/099,348 andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/305,977, owned by the author ofthese specifications and upon which the present specifications build.

While the foregoing specifications set forth with finer specificity anumber of systemic embodiments, the specifications are believed tobasically or essentially certain blockchain-enabled crypto asset systemsoperable within a computer network environment for allowing (a) a userto control how advertisers access the user's personal data; (b) allowingcrypto asset compensation in exchange for social amplification; and (c)tracking asset allocation as earlier prefaced.

Each blockchain-enabled crypto asset system according to the presentinvention may be said to essentially comprise a remote computer-basedservice system within the computer network environment, at least oneclient device for enabling the user to interact with a user blockchain,and a non-transitory computer-implementable application implementablevia the at least one client device and the remote computer-based servicesystem.

The remote computer-based service system of a first blockchain-enabledcrypto asset system is operable within the computer network environmentfor connecting 3rd party service/content providers to the userblockchain; validating 3rd party input data to the user blockchain;optimizing consumption data references; and enablingadvertisement-targeting services to interact with the user blockchain.The computer-implementable application enables the user to initiateinput to the user blockchain via the at least one client device; inputpersonal demographic data and data release rules to the user blockchain;and set data retention rules.

The user blockchain of the first blockchain-enabled crypto asset systemprovides a mechanism for storing and releasing user data giving the usercontrol of the user's personal data and a mechanism to release theuser's personal data for economic consideration. The user blockchainoperates to hold a transaction ledger for tracking transactions betweenthe advertisement-targeting services and the user blockchain and a proofof transaction being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by theadvertisement-targeting services in exchange for personal data.

The remote computer-based service system may be made operable to connect3rd party service/content providers to the user blockchain by mapping IPaddresses used by the user as reported by the at least one client devicefor blockchain identification. The remote computer-based service systemmay provide the only blockchain address permitted to write validatedconsumption data to the user blockchain by taking the IP addressprovided by 3rd party service/content providers, and using a referencedatabase to map IP addresses for blockchain identification.

The remote computer-based service system is operable to optimizeconsumption data references by either creating a hash table with uniquehashes for reported consumption, and only writing hashes to the userblockchain, or creating categories for consumption, and writing categoryidentifications to the user blockchain. The remote computer-basedservice system thus enables advertisement-targeting services to interactwith the user blockchain by providing mapping between at least oneclient device IP address and blockchain identification thereby enablingthe advertisement-targeting services to interact with the userblockchain to receive personal user information provided a preferredtargeted advertising campaign meets a set of rules within the userblockchain.

The user blockchain releases the personal data requested by theadvertisement-targeting services if the preferred targeted advertisingcampaign meets the set of rules. The user blockchain may respond with analternative targeted advertising request to the advertising-targetingservice if the preferred targeted advertising campaign does not meet theset of rules. The data retention rules set by the user determine whatpersonal consumption data will be retained by the user blockchain andfor what duration, which personal consumption data may be updated byselect verified 3rd party service/content providers.

A blockchain-enabled crypto asset social amplification system accordingto the present invention is operable within a computer networkenvironment for allowing crypto asset compensation in exchange forsocial amplification and comprises a remote computer-based servicesystem within the computer network environment, a least one at least oneclient device for enabling the user to interact with the user blockchainand the remote computer-based service system and a non-transitorycomputer-implementable application implementable via the at least oneclient device and the remote computer-based service system for enablingthe user to initiate input to the user blockchain via the at least oneclient device; and input personal demographic data.

The remote computer-based service system of the blockchain-enabledcrypto asset social amplification system governs user contentamplification attribution data input to a user blockchain, which usercontent amplification attribution data preferably comprises a listing ofselect content shared by the user, campaign identifications associatedwith the select content, and a type of consumer interaction. The atleast one client device generates an influencer amplificationidentification linked to the user blockchain via a request to the remotecomputer-based service system.

The user blockchain blockchain-enabled crypto asset social amplificationsystem provides a mechanism for storing and releasing user data givingthe user control of the user's personal data, and a mechanism to releasethe user's personal data for economic consideration. The user blockchainoperating to hold a transaction ledger for tracking blockchaintransactions based on the user content amplification attribution dataand being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by 3rd partyservice/content providers in exchange for personal data.

The blockchain-enabled crypto asset social amplification system mayoperable around the use of user demographic data. The user demographicdata is usable to encourage users of a specific demographic to sharemore by having the 3rd party service/content providers the ability tospecify payout rules for amplification payouts to the users of aspecific demographic. The user blockchain stores a copy of the payoutrules for supporting the amplification payouts.

An amplification campaign blockchain is preferably released in the formof a smart contract with qualified shares being reported to anamplification campaign blockchain. The amplification campaign blockchainregisters valid amplification event payouts based on a set of rules setat the initialization of the smart contract. The smart contract maypreferably comprise a reference to the select content for amplification,the valid amplification event payouts being registered by linking aninfluencer amplification identification with a blockchain identificationvia the remote computer-based service system.

The amplification campaign blockchain duplicates transactions by sendinga validated transaction registration request to the user blockchain, andthe user blockchain determining capital distribution based on contractcapital allocation determined by the set of rules set by the user. Thevalid amplification event payouts are claimed by registering a payouttransaction in the transaction ledger indicating capital distributed tothe user in exchange for earned amplification credits/tokens registeredin the transaction ledger.

The remote computer-based service system retains the set of rules, theset of rules set by the user are duplicated to the user blockchain, theset of rules being registered by the 3rd party service/content providersvia a registration request to the remote computer-based service system.The registration request registers the campaign identifications,amplified content, and the set of rules, and the remote computer-basedservice system registers valid amplification event payouts by using theuser identification for blockchain mapping. The remote computer-basedservice system calculates the valid amplification event payouts based onuser demographic data retrieved from the user blockchain.

A blockchain-enabled crypto asset compliance system operable within acomputer network environment tracks asset allocation. The remotecomputer-based service system provides and maintains a cross providerreference database for mapping media provider content to media contenthashes within a media content pool preferably via either a metadatamapping mechanism or a media content finger printing mechanism. Clientdevices are used by users for creating media content playlists as abasis for media content order hash generation. The client devices pullmedia content hashes from the media content pool, and use the mediacontent playlists and the media content hashes stored in the crossprovider reference database as inputs for algorithm generation. Theclients generate an ordered media content list hash that is submitted tothe user blockchain.

The user blockchain provides both a mechanism for storing and releasinguser data, and a mechanism to release the user's personal data foreconomic consideration, and operates to hold a transaction ledger fortracking blockchain transactions based on media content consumption andis being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by 3^(rd) partyservice/content providers.

The ordered media content list hash matches a hidden list hash forprompting both new token generation, and supplemental ordered song listhash generation. The user blockchain is initiated when contractinitiation rules are met, original asset allocations being assigned oncontract initiation by requests from a primary initiating partner and asecondary initiating partner via identical contract initiationallocations. The user blockchain preferably generates new tokens via analgorithmic mint process comprising the step of generating the hiddenlist hash from a list of the media content hashes.

The algorithmic mint process may preferably operate based on anever-increasing number of media content files associated with every hashmatched against a client hash submitted by the client devices. Hiddenhash complexity is driven by first and second factors, the first factorbeing the number of media content files in the hidden ordered mediacontent list hash, and the second factor being the number of possiblemedia content files available to fit into each position in the hiddenordered media content list hash, each position being randomly filledfrom the media content hash pool. When media content hashes are added tothe media content pool by the secondary initiating partner, the mediacontent hashes are added to the cross provider reference database, whichcross provider reference database maps 3rd party service/contentprovider data to the media content hashes.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference tocertain preferred systemic embodiments and certain associatedmethodologies, it is not intended that the novel systemic embodimentsand associated methods be limited thereby, but that modificationsthereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scopeand spirit of the foregoing disclosures and the appended drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blockchain-enabled crypto asset system operablewithin a computer network environment for enabling a user to control howadvertisers access the user's personal data, the blockchain-enabledcrypto asset system comprising: a remote computer-based service systemwithin the computer network environment; at least one client device forenabling the user to interact with the remote computer-based servicesystem; a non-transitory computer-implementable applicationimplementable via the at least one client device and the remotecomputer-based service system, the remote computer-based service system,the at least one client and the non-transitory computer-implementableapplication together being operable for creating a user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract and an IP address mapping mechanism;the non-transitory computer-implementable application for enabling theuser to (a) initiate input to the user-controlled, blockchain-enabledsmart contract via the at least one client device; (b) input personaldemographic data and set data release rules for the user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract; and (c) set data retention rules forthe user-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract; the remotecomputer-based service system being operable to connect 3rd partyservice/content providers to the user-controlled, blockchain-enabledsmart contract by mapping IP addresses used by the user as reported bythe at least one client device via the non-transitorycomputer-implementable application and the IP address mapping mechanismfor blockchain/smart contract identification; the remote computer-basedservice system being operable to validate 3rd party input data to theuser-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract by providing the onlyblockchain address permitted to write validated consumption data to theuser-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract; the remotecomputer-based service system being operable to optimize consumptiondata references by either (a) creating a hash table with unique hashesfor reported consumption and writing hashes to the user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract or (b) creating categories forconsumption, and writing category identifications to theuser-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract; the remotecomputer-based service system being operable to enableadvertisement-targeting services to interact with the user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract by mapping between the IP address ofthe at least one client device and the blockchain/smart contractidentification via the IP address mapping mechanism for receiving userpersonal consumption data and user demographic data; theuser-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract operating to hold atransaction ledger, the transaction ledger for tracking transactionsbetween the advertisement-targeting services and the user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract, the user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract thus providing (a) a mechanism forstoring and releasing user data giving the user control of the user'spersonal data; (b) a mechanism to release the user's personal data foreconomic consideration; and (c) a proof of transaction, the proof oftransaction being usable by the user to redeem rewards offered by theadvertisement-targeting services in exchange for personal data.
 2. Theblockchain-enabled crypto asset system of claim 1 wherein the remotecomputer-based service system comprises a blockchain mapping databasefor storing identification-to-blockchain IP address mapping by way ofthe IP address mapping mechanism.
 3. The blockchain-enabled crypto assetsystem of claim 1 wherein the remote computer-based service systemprovides the only blockchain address permitted to write validatedconsumption data to the user-controlled, blockchain-enabled smartcontract by using a reference database to map IP addresses provided by3rd party service/content providers for blockchain identification. 4.The blockchain-enabled crypto asset system of claim 1 whereinadvertisement-targeting services interact with the user-controlled,blockchain-enabled smart contract to receive personal user informationprovided an advertisement-targeting services interaction meets a set ofrules within the user-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract asset by the user.
 5. The blockchain-enabled system of claim 4 wherein theuser-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract releases personaluser data requested by the advertisement-targeting services if apreferred targeted advertisement meets the set of rules as set by theuser, the user-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract respondingwith an alternative targeted advertising request to theadvertising-targeting service if the preferred targeted advertisementdoes not meet the set of rules as set by the user.
 6. Theblockchain-enabled system of claim 1 wherein the set data retentionrules determine what personal consumption data will be retained by theuser-controlled, blockchain-enabled smart contract and for whatduration, the personal consumption data being updatable by selectverified 3rd party service/content providers.
 7. The blockchain-enabledcrypto asset system of claim 4 wherein the remote computer-based servicesystem is configured to enable advertisement-targeting services to routetargeted advertisements tailored to the user within a smart routingsynthetic broadcast system or environment based on personal userinformation provided the targeted advertisements meet the set of rulesas set by the user within the user-controlled, blockchain-enabled smartcontract.
 8. The blockchain-enabled crypto asset system of claim 7wherein the remote computer-based service system is configured to enableadvertisement-targeting services to route targeted advertisementstailored to the user within a live social re-broadcast within the smartrouting synthetic broadcast system or environment based on the personaluser information provided the targeted advertisements meet the set ofrules as set by the user within the user-controlled, blockchain-enabledsmart contract.